It starts with your buoyancy control device (BCD). A BCD does exactly what its name describes – it gives you control in the water. Sometimes you want to float on the surface comfortably. Occasionally, you want to kneel or stand on the bottom, sometimes during a training course.
How much does a BCD cost?
BCD costs will range from the entry level of $350 and go up to almost $1500. The majority will fall in the $500-$700 range. The main differences you will find is the type of materials that are used to build the vest.
What BCD do the Navy Seals use?
BC-72. This is a unit for the advanced or professional diver. It is designed around a fully-featured back inflation buoyancy compensator device with its technical style inner air-cell and protective three-dimensional Nylon/Cordura outer shell.
How do I choose a BCD for scuba diving?
When it comes to choosing the right BCD, lots of factors will affect your decision. You’ll want to consider how much to spend, which type of BCD goes best with your diving style, how much weight you carry, where you want the jacket’s air to sit on your body, and even your body type.
What is a BCD in scuba diving? – Related Questions
How many years does a BCD last?
If the hose is sound with no signs of cracking, there are no leaks, buoyancy control is good and you service the inflator and dump valves annually after the first five years of use, then you should still have a reliable BCD.
How long does a scuba BCD last?
The inflator and dump valves need to be periodically serviced, especially as the BCD ages. Annual inspections are a good standard of practice, especially for BCDs in use for five years or more. While BCDs don’t have an explicit shelf life, it is important to carefully and regularly monitor their condition.
How do I choose the right size BCD?
For best practice, purchase a BCD that fits snugly to your body, if you are petite and short waisted, you will need to consider a compact BCD with an integrated weighing system to ensure it fits well, and remains in place whilst underwater.
How do you calculate BCD lift do I need?
It said something to the effect that one should choose a BCD with 10 or so pounds more lift than the total weight worn. As an example, it said a diver who wears 30 pounds of weight should have BCD with at least 40 pounds of lift.
How much weight do I need in my BCD?
Initial weight: If you’re not sure where to begin, figure about 10% of your body weight. If you are diving in tropical waters with a thin wetsuit, subtract 4-6 pounds, and if you are diving in cold water with a lot of exposure protection, add 4-6 pounds.
How do you know if your weighted for diving BCD?
Hold your breath for a moment and try to remain motionless. If properly weighted for neutral buoyancy, you will float at about eye level to hairline level (Photo 1). When you exhale fully, you should submerge. [ONE] When performing a pre-dive weight check, if properly weighted, you will float at about eye level.
Can you breathe from your BCD?
You can also breathe from your BCD while a buddy is breathing from your tank. Since your power inflator bypasses your regulator’s second stage, you can inhale from the BCD at any time without overbreathing.
Do you sink when you deflate the BCD?
Once you deflate the air out of your BCD to start your dive, let all the air out of your lungs, and you will start to sink.
Why do scuba divers tap their head?
Mouthpiece tapping – requesting air to be shared. Ear pointing and hand cupped behind ear – asking for another diver to listen. Flat hand sweeping over top of head – indicating a solid decompression ceiling overhead. Moving hand across the body in a wave motion – signifying a current.
What should you never do while scuba diving?
Never hold your breath while ascending. Your ascent should be slow and your breathing should be normal. Never panic under water. If you become confused or afraid during a dive, stop, try to relax, and think through the problem.
Why do I need to pee after scuba diving?
Our bodies sense this increase in blood volume in the chest and interpret it as too much blood/water. It sends a signal to our kidneys to get rid of this excess water. Therefore our kidneys produce more urine and we have to pee.
Why do divers go straight to the shower?
“Divers shower in between dives typically just to keep themselves and their muscles warm,” he says. They usually rinse off in water that’s warmer than the pool.
Why do divers throw towel in water?
“It is not a toy, but a professional thing that is necessary for the preparation of the dive. You need to take off the liquid so you don’t lose your body position when you are spinning,” Evgenii Kuznetsov (RUS) added.
Why do divers carry small towels?
Since Olympic divers sit in a hot tub to keep warm between dives, they’ll towel off and get wet again several times during a competition. The tiny sports towel (also known as a shammy) absorbs a lot of water and is very easy to wring out afterwards.